With the end of ultralow interest rates and the need for bigger audiences, Hollywood may be dialing back on social justice initiatives.
The end of the writers’ and actors’ strikes brings relief to movie fans as the Oscars proceed as scheduled and the 2024 summer season is saved. However, as Hollywood bids farewell to the era of unlimited access and niche shows, the question arises: what will replace this golden age? With the tap of practically free money running dry, studios are likely to shift their focus back to broader audience appeal and potentially dial back on social justice initiatives. This retreat from diversity and inclusion efforts is already underway, partly due to financial constraints and the fear of being embroiled in culture wars. As Hollywood faces a new era, it is worth examining the cultural artifact that is Ryan Murphy’s “Hollywood” and the lessons it imparts about the industry’s aspirations for social change.
The Impact of Financial Constraints on Diversity Initiatives
Last summer witnessed the departure of executive women of color who had been leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at major Hollywood companies. When corporations face financial constraints, these initiatives are often the first to be cut. The end of ultralow interest rates means that streaming movies will need larger audiences, much like the mass-market films they replaced. As a result, studios may prioritize broader appeal over niche content, potentially leading to a dialing back of social justice initiatives.
The Influence of Corporate Feuds on Hollywood’s Stance on Social Issues
Disney’s public feud with Florida over LGBTQ+ issues, which resulted in the loss of tax breaks, has sent a clear message to other companies. Disney CEO Bob Iger has emphasized that the company will no longer take stands on contentious issues and is there solely to “manufacture fun.” The risks to reputation and brand perception that arise from consumers’ differing perceptions of a company’s position on matters of public interest have made many studios cautious about taking strong social justice stands.
“Hollywood”: A Glimpse into the Industry’s Aspirations
Ryan Murphy’s “Hollywood,” a 2020 Netflix miniseries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the aspirations of the industry. Set in the late 1940s, the show portrays an alternate history where a female studio head casts a Black woman opposite a White actor, leading to critical and financial success. The series explores the power of key decision-makers in shaping social change and highlights the industry’s desire to believe that it can bring about significant transformations through its storytelling.
Hollywood’s Role in Advancing Social Change
While Hollywood can play a role in advancing social change, it cannot force change that society is not ready to embrace. Shows like “Will & Grace” have had a significant impact on advancing same-sex marriage, but they were only able to do so by racing ahead of a cultural consensus that was already shifting. Hollywood can act as a catalyst, urging society to catch up to the changes it portrays, but it cannot single-handedly bring about transformation.
Conclusion: As Hollywood enters a new era, it faces the challenge of finding a balance between financial constraints, audience appeal, and social justice initiatives. The end of ultralow interest rates and the need for larger audiences may lead to a dialing back of diversity efforts. Corporate feuds have also made studios cautious about taking strong stands on social issues. However, the power of storytelling and the influence of Hollywood on society should not be underestimated. While Hollywood cannot force change, it can act as a catalyst, pushing society to embrace transformations that are already underway. As the industry navigates this new landscape, it remains to be seen how it will adapt and shape the future of entertainment.
Leave a Reply